McCarthy, Daniel David
Daniel David McCarthy, 72, departed this earth on October 1, 2021. Born January 4, 1949, in Middletown, CT to the late Charlotte (McKinstry) and Lawrence McCarthy. Dan grew up in Middletown and Cromwell, CT., and graduated from Cromwell High School, Class of 1967. Dan spent his entire working career on the 3rd shift at Pratt & Whitney.
Dan had many nicknames, known as “Husky” in high school, Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Uncle Dan, Dano, Burt, and especially, Hon. Nicknames were important to him and he gave out many to those he loved. Dan was best known for his gentle demeanor, kindness and patience. Everyone that met Dan admired him. He was a man of great morals and compassion for all living things. He never met a critter he didn't try to make friends with. Dan knew all the names of the dogs in his neighborhood and made sure to say hello to them on his walks. Dan loved music and shared that love with his daughters and grandchildren
and anyone that would listen. He taught himself how to play many instruments including guitar, saxophone, clarinet and piano. He also loved listening to all kinds of music and shared bluegrass with his girls on Saturday mornings at 7:00 am. Dan had many hobbies, loved to travel, was artistic, and found joy in baseball (in his younger years), photography, archery, bicycle adventures with family and friends, woodworking, and drawing. He and his brother, Kevin, were affectionately known as “the paparazzi” at family gatherings, both with their cameras ready to capture every moment. Dan built a beautiful wooden cradle for his first grandson, Jason. Several grandchildren, nieces and nephews spent the first months of their lives in this cradle. He blessed his daughters with pencil drawings of their likeness he completed from photos which they will always cherish.
Above all family was the most important. Spending time making memories was what life was all about for Dan. You could count on a telephone call on your birthday every year from Dan and Sandy, regardless of where they were, singing Happy Birthday, random texts saying Love Ya, and bear hugs that made you feel like you were one hundred percent safe. Anyone that came to Dan with a problem or concern always left with heartfelt sound advice. If it was important to his wife, daughters, or someone he cared about it was important to him.
Dan leaves behind his beloved “Beautiful Bride” and soul mate of 46 years, Sandra (Cooke) McCarthy. Dan and Sandy shared so many adventures together and made so many wonderful memories. The most important person in his world was Sandy. If it made Sandy happy, it made Dan happy. If everyone found a love so pure and perfect the world would be a much better place. Dan also leaves two daughters who loved their Dad with every ounce of their souls, Angela Lent and husband Scott, and Amy McCarthy and fiancé Ivan. Dan's Grandchildren were so special to him: MSgt Jason Lent, U.S.A.F., and wife Nicole, Daniel Twiss (Little Dan), and Benjamin Twiss (BenGerman). His Great Granddaughters: Kiera, Lily and Luna. Surviving Dan are his Sister, Kathleen Adinolfi and husband Fred, Brother Kevin
McCarthy and wife Maria. Sisters-in-law: Jacklyn Lech, Donna Cooke and husband Richard LeBlanc, Susan Bowman and husband Bob, Alison Rogers and husband Keith, Brother-in-law Steven Cooke and wife Donna. Mother-in-law Katherine (Fahey) Cooke. Dan was blessed to have several nieces, nephews and cousins whom he adored. He was predeceased by his parents, Father-in-law, Donald Douglas Cooke, Sr., and Brothers-in-law Donald Douglas (Douggie) Cooke, Jr., and Richard Lech.
The family will hold a private celebration in South Carolina in late October. A celebration of Dan's life will be
November 6, 2021, from 5 - 8 pm at Joanna's Restaurant, 145 Main St., Somers, CT.